INTERVIEW WITH ROMANTIC NOVELIST, ALISON MAY

This week I have the pleasure of interviewing author, Alison May. She has just this week published her first novel with the publisher Choc Lit. Alison is also a writing tutor. Here she is to tell you all about herself, and answer the questions I put to her.

About Me

I was born and raised in North Yorkshire, but now live in Worcester with one husband, no kids and no pets. There were goldfish once. That ended badly.

I studied History at the University of York, and worked as a waitress, a shop assistant, a learning adviser, an advice centre manager, and a freelance trainer, before settling on ‘making up stories’ as an entirely acceptable grown-up career plan.

I am member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and won the Elizabeth Goudge Trophy in 2012. Alison’s debut novel, Much Ado About Sweet Nothing, is published by Choc Lit this week, and is available here: http://www.choc-lit.com/dd-product/sweet-nothing/

Follow me on Twitter @MsAlisonMay, and find out more about me on www.alison-may.co.uk

 

 

 

1. Q. What genre do you write?

A. My first novel, Much Ado About Sweet Nothing, is a romantic comedy, apart from the bits that aren’t romantic and the bits that aren’t funny. It’s at least 84% romantic comedy certainly.

I always find it tricky to describe what genre I write in because I write books that I would like to read, so there are bits of romance, bits of comedy, but some of my influences are darker and more literary so that gets chucked into the mix as well.

 2. Have you always been a writer? If not, how did you get interested in writing?

A. I haven’t always been a writer, but I’ve always been a reader, so the interest in story and character is definitely a continuous thread. I do remember setting out to write a play with one of my school friends when I was about eight, so I could look back on that, and think ‘See - I’ve always been a writer.’ But I also remember running races in the back garden with my sister and I definitely haven’t always been sporty, so I probably shouldn’t read too much into my apparent childhood interests.

 

3. Do you have a best time of day or week for being productive or creative?

A. Generally morning is better than afternoon, but realistically there is no good productive time, apart from the 24 hours immediately before an unmissable deadline. At school I was always better in exams than at coursework, so it’s probably not ideal that I’ve picked a career that is basically the adult equivalent of constantly having to do coursework.

I tend to give myself fake self-imposed deadlines to force myself to write. At the moment I’ve got a party I want to attend in four weeks time and I’m telling myself I can’t go if I don’t finish the first draft of my current work-in-progress by then. I’ve got about 60,000 words to get through. Wish me luck.

 

4. How often do you write? 

A. Most days if I’m writing a first draft. If I’m editing sometimes not looking at the manuscript for a bit is a part of the process. I’m really lucky in that my day job is freelance and sporadic so I do get days each week or month when I don’t have to go out to work. If I’m working on a first draft I’d expect to write between two and four thousand words on each of those days.

 

5. How do you pick your characters? Are they from real life?

A. I’ve never intentionally based a character on a real person, although I have no doubt that bits of and bobs feed into my writing from real-life. I write two different sorts of books - adaptations of Shakespeare plays, like Sweet Nothing, and entirely original stories. For the adaptations, obviously the character starts with the character in the play, and then I work on the things that are specific to the modern setting, like their job and interests. Usually I once I’ve got a character’s voice in my head the rest of the character falls into place - it’s the characters that I can’t hear in my mind that I struggle with.

 

6. What are your hobbies?

A. Reading obviously - although I tend not to read very much fiction while I’m working on a first draft. I love films, theatre and TV as well though - really anything that’ll tell me a story is good with me. I’ve developed a recent liking for Zumba, Bokwa and yoga, which upsets me somewhat. As one of the world’s natural curvy girls this growing tendency to exercise is a bit of a worry. It is an increasing necessity though as I spend more and more time sitting on my behind writing, and less and less on my feet at the front of classrooms.

 

7. Do you have any indulgences? Do you treat yourself after a good day, or week?

A. never really been one to save indulgences until the end of a good day or good week. Hence the curviness, perhaps. I love good food, and quite a lot of bad food too, and wine, and vodka, and going out and enjoying all of the above with friends.

I don’t find I need a treat after a good writing week - the feeling of ‘having written’ (which is so much nicer than the feeling of actually writing) is sufficient. It’s the bad writing weeks that require treats!

 

8. Tell us something about your new book?

A. Much Ado About Sweet Nothing, which is out with Choc Lit’s digital first Choc Lit Lite imprint, is a romantic comedy based on Much Ado About Nothing. It has love and heartache and wedding dresses and maths, and I am very quietly and very nervously rather proud of it.

 

9. As a writing tutor, what would be your top three tips to adult writers?

A. That’s easy:

1. Write lots.

2. Read lots.

3. Edit like you didn’t write it, and you aren’t emotionally attached to it.

If I was allowed a fourth tip, I’d add: Submit your writing lots. And then go back to number 1 and repeat.

 

 

Thank you so much Alison! It was a pleasure interview someone with such a sense of humour. I can't wait to read your new novel.

 

Follow Alison on Twitter, and check out her web page and her new book.

See above for all the details.

 

 

Thank you for visiting my blog, and see you again next time. 

 

 

Bye for now!

 

 Marilyn x

 

 

 

INTERVIEW WITH WRITER SARAH MENARY

This week my guest is Sarah Menary, who has been writing in her spare time for a few years, along with a full time job. What is for sure, is that she lives a varied and very interesting life, as you will see. I am so pleased that she has kindly agreed to be a guest on my blog. Readers often wonder how writers spend their time. So here goes!

Q.1. What do you write?

A. I write gothic horror, and fantasy, and general fiction. I started writing novellas as a teenager as a sort of therapy for dealing with the world. These developed into full length novels over time. More recently I have been writing short stories and poetry, and I have been influenced by a group of poets I write with. They are all hugely talented and extremely modest people who continue to inspire me. I like to be challenged, so I write different things as it forces me to try out new ideas, I was recently challenged to write a romance story which I found very difficult, as I have a tendency to gravitate to the dark and the macabre.

Q 2. Can you tell us something about your present work in progress?

A. I have just finished work on my first international publication. It is a fantasy romance short story that I was asked to write for the Oklohama Tornado Relief Fund. The Anthology was compiled by 19 authors from around the globe, and available from 30th October 2013.

I am also working on my debut novel, The Blood Gate. It is a fantasy/horror novel about revenge and the land of the dead.

Q.3. Have you ever had writer's block, and what did you do to get out of it?

A. I have had writer's block! Not too many times though. The best way I've found to deal with it is to post the problem up on Facebook, and ask your friends for help! Some people would recoil in horror at the thought of doing that, but I have had much success with a great bunch of helpful friends who have the daftest suggestions. They always make me laugh, and I usually come up with something out of what they say.

Q 4. Where do you write? Do you stick to one place?

A. I write predominantly at home, but I find the best place to think about writing is in bed. My subconscious seems to unravel the plot if I dream. I also find that I write poetry best on the train, staring out of the window. I also have the occasional treat to go off to a writer's retreat. I know a fantastic little place in Wales where there is no mobile signal anywhere in the village, and it is fantastic if you want to get your head down to write.

Q 5. What do you like to read? Give us a few of your favourite books.

A. Tough one to narrow down! My all time favourite books are Dracula by Bram Stoker, and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I am a big fan of the classics. There is a sense of patience with the Victorian classics, which I think we have lost in this fast world of today. However, I do like contemporary writers such as Val McDermid, and Neil Gaiman.

Q 6. Do you have any hobbies apart from writing?

A. I have so many hobbies it's a wonder I have time to write! I am a practicing Martial artist, studying Tang Soo Do. I am also a historical enactor and musketeer with Sealed Knot. That basically involves strapping yourself with gunpowder and having a massive battle with all of your friends! I also do a bit of freelance artwork, and I love my music.

Q 7. Do you have any pets? And do they play a part in your writing?

A. I have a very dozy cat called Artemis, She likes to walk across my keyboard and generally cause chaos! She almost set her tail on fire once when I was writing by candle light! Needless to say, the candles are now banned.

Q 8. Where do you get your inspiration?

In the strangest places! When I used to go to work early in the morning, I often found myself first on the train platform as the sun came up. There is something special about how the light hits the industrial landscape. It always feels like a secret beauty, just on show for you.

I find a great deal of inspiration from music, and I create playlists to listen to when I am writing particular pieces of work. For a high action piece, I listen to Rob Zombie, and for a more relaxed piece, I might have a bit of Moby.

Q 9. Do you find a particular food or drink helps with the creative juices?

A. Two things I need - caffeine and sugar. My family laugh at me because sometimes my fridge would be empty apart from diet coke and skittles.

Thank you so much Sarah. I'm sure readers would find your life most interesting! And best of luck with The Blood Gate.


Thank you all for taking an interest in Sarah. If you would like to ask any questions, please click on the envelope below and/or, write in the comments box.


You can follow Sarah

Http://www.sjmenary.blogspot.co.uk
Http://twitter.com/SJMemary_Author

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What motivates Writers? Who or what inspires them? How do they come up with ...

.... ideas, names, characters, plots.

How do they write?

Where do they write?

What do they read?

Do they read much, or not at all while writing? Or just a little?

What genre do they read? Same as they write? Or some different genre?

What hobbies do they have ...apart from writing?

...and so many more questions...


Tomorrow I will begin my series of interviews with different guest writers. There are so many questions to ask each writer. If you would like particular questions answered, please post your questions in the comments box at any time.

See you tomorrow!
 

Peppery Pumpkin and Sweet Potato soup...

.....with grated apple and cream. 

This is a lovely Autumn and delicious soup, full of flavour, using seasonal vegetables and fruit.

 

It's really easy to make. Here is the recipe.

.














INGREDIENTS

Half small eating pumpkin - peeled and cut up into cubes
2 medium onions, chopped up
2 large sweet potatoes (6"x2") peeled and chopped up
fresh parsley chopped (2 tbl sp)
2 large cloves garlic - chopped
2 medium tomatoes - chopped finely
1 bird pepper - chopped finely
handful of fresh coriander - chopped finely
1 medium Bramley cooking apple or any other sharp apple -peeled and grated (large hole)
1 chicken stock cube
1 tsp flaked sea salt
1 tbl spoon olive oil
2 ltrs water


METHOD

Using a large heavy pan, heat oil

Turn down heat to low, and cook onions till soft and transparent.

Add pumpkin cubes stir and cook for about 3-4 mins

Add sweet potato, stir and cook for another 3 mins

Add tomatoes, garlic, parsley, and bird pepper, and stir

Add water, turn up heat, and crumble in the stock cube

Add salt, and bring to the boil.

Lower heat right down, and cover pan.

Simmer for about 45 mins - 1 hour, or when vegetables are very soft.

Remove from heat and let it cool for about 20 mins.

Pour in a large food processor, and blitz till smooth-ish (optional)

Return it to the pan, and add grated apple and coriander.

Heat through to boiling point.

Cover and let simmer for about 10-15 mins

Serve with cream, and crusty granary bread. (optional)


Hope you enjoy it!

If you've got any questions or comments, please leave them below in the comments box.

Thanks.





 

An interview - Belle and her Beautiful Cakes -

The first time I met Belinda Gostling (Belle), was at my son's wedding last year. She had created the most exquisite wedding cake in antique purple and dusk shades, and numerous cup cakes to match, as is the fashion these days for weddings. I was amazed. So when I decided this year to throw myself a big birthday party for a big birthday, I asked her to do me a cake that represented the many things I had done in my life. And she stepped up to the plate with a three tier cake that threw me completely. Even now, when people who know me and the course of my life, see pictures of the cake, they are spell bound.

I have no idea how Belle does it... Setting up and running a business is hard enough, but with a small child still at home all day, it is a mighty task.

When I asked Belle if she would appear as a guest on my blog she had no hesitation.

It's so lovely to have you on my blog, Belle.

1. Q. Will you tell us who or what inspired you to start making cakes?

A. My background is design based, but I began making cakes when a friend asked me to do her wedding cake. I'd never really baked before, but I practiced lots ready for the big day and enjoyed it. I had a few requests after the wedding, and found that I may have a talent for baking and decorating. It wasn't until a few years later just after having my daughter, that I was made redundant, and decided to set up my own business, and Belles was created. I attended a few training courses to build my confidence, and haven't looked back.


2. Q. Which famous chef, cook or baker do you most admire, and why?

A. There are so many and I seem to discover another great Cake artist every day! I admire the work of Sharon Wee. Her work is flawless and very versatile. I would love to attend one of her training courses one day to learn some of her secrets! Also, Carlos Lischetti's sugar art work is incredibly detailed and to a very high standard and I aspire to create such beautiful models and decorations.

3. Q. Your cakes are so beautifully designed. How do you get your inspiration for these?

A. I ask the client as many questions as possible so that I get a good understanding of their likes and dislikes, and their expectations. Then I use the internet, books, magazines, to research the design theme, and together with my imagination, I sketch out some ideas and concepts. I love looking at wallpaper, wrapping paper, drawings, cards, window displays, etc, to give me inspiration. Then I transfer these ideas onto the cake.

4. Q. Are your designs all planned before hand?

A. The majority are planned, with a sketch drawn for the client to approve. However, when you start creating and making decorations, the design can sometimes alter to accommodate decorations. I am about to start making my dummy cakes for the 2014 season to take to Wedding Fairs, and a few of these will evolve whilst making them. It's fun to see where you end up!

5. Q. What advice would you give a young person who wanted to go into the cake business?

A. Stand out from the crowd. Cake businesses are booming and with so many to choose from, you need to have a unique selling point, whether that is a specific style, catering to a niche market, or being the best at what you do.

Give great customer service. So much of my work is via word of mouth, or repeat custom, and I try to treat each of my customers individually, so that they know I value their custom.

Work out your pricing before you set up. One of the hardest areas of this industry is pricing. I would spend time to work out how much it costs to make your products and create a clear structure on how to quote to customers. Prices vary dramatically from baker to baker. Some are professionals whilst others are hobby bakers. You need to price so that you include your profit.

Cake decorating is a job you have to love. It requires a lot of patience, attention to detail, and time, But the rewards are great when you see the smile on someone's face!

6. Q. Your cakes are so moist and full of flavour, What flavours do you offer?

A.  I offer the basic flavours such as vanilla, chocolate, and lemon, but will make any flavour the client would like. I have recently made Oreo Cookie cake, Gingerbread cupcakes, Tiramisu cupcakes, and Sticky Ginger cake. It is nice to experiment and make flavours that aren't ordinarily available.

7. Q. I know this must be the hardest question to answer... Do you have a favourite design?

A. Here are a few of them!



Princess, Shoes, and bags



Tattoo Cake



Seb's Cake



Tool Box 2




Winnie the Pooh



Here's how to get in touch -
Facebook - Belles-The Cake Company
http://www.facebook.com/BellesTheCakeCompany
Email - bellesthecakecompany@hotmail.co.uk


Thank you Belle!
And, best of luck for the future!






 

CREATIVITY AND BUSINESS

I've always been a creative person. These days I write fiction, but I also paint from time to time in oils. I've designed various lines of luxury lingerie for Sapphire Design House, and run my own business.

I've taught Marketing and Business Studies at colleges, and for many years, have felt an affinity and empathy for people who try to start up and run their own business. I do realise that they need all the help they could get, so I intend to help the few I know in some small way, because they deserve it for all the hard work they put in.

I will be interviewing all sorts of creative people in the next few months.

Later this week, I will be interviewing Belinda Sidell, of Belle - The Cake Company, who makes absolutely fabulous, decorative special occasion cakes of all descriptions, in scrumptious flavours and designs.

Below is a preview -  one of the cakes she made, depicting aspects of the Birthday Girl's life. That was me.



So, keep watch later this week for an interview with Belle - The Cake Company, where she will be telling you some of the secrets of her success so far...

See you later this week!

ENJOYABLE EDITING

The Fourth and Fifth Edits, and Doing it with a Friend

Editing is becoming more enjoyable. The end of this process is in sight. I am actually doing these two together, but not on my own.

The Structural issues, Characterisations, Character Arcs, etc, have been dealt with as best as I could in previous edits.

This Fourth Edit is about filling out anything missed in previous edits, and when writing it, but at the same time - cutting words. Filling out is not about adding padding. It is about deepening the story where needed so that the reader is drawn further into the plot. But I have to do this at the expense of my word count. I still have too many words in this novel - 124,188 to date. So, trying to get it down to 120,000 if possible at this stage is about being ruthless and having a keen eye for shortening sentences without ruining the sense. Deepening the plot means that I have to return to my sources of research to find out what really happened in 1917, and whether what I already have fits in with that time.

The Fifth Edit, is wonderful! I have a friend who has volunteered. In fact, she is a member of my Book Group, who loves proofreading ... and has volunteered several times to help me out. I decided it was time to take her up on it. The time had come for another pair of eyes to look over for errors, spellings, punctuation, etc. Being as close as I have been to this novel means that I can overlook the same errors time and time again. But it is working, and we are doing well. We do it together. I am reading it out aloud off screen, and she follows on her script. She is enjoying it, and I am loving that she is finding all my excess commas!

Apart from the writing, I think these Fourth and Fifth Edits, might be the most enjoyable of the process. But can't wait to get to the end.

See you next time!